The Rev. Douglas G. Barnes
Priest-in-Charge, St. Thomas Anglican Church, Brooklin

The Rev. Douglas George Barnes was ordained in the Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands and brings to St. Thomas Anglican Church a deep commitment to pastoral care, spiritual growth, and inclusive community life. With a background that bridges both education and ministry, Fr. Douglas is passionate about helping individuals and congregations flourish in faith, knowledge, and service.

In addition to his priestly vocation, Fr. Douglas is a trained educator with teaching experience across the public school system, from elementary to tertiary, in both Jamaica and Japan. He holds a Diploma in Secondary Teacher Education, a Bachelor of Arts in Theology, and a Master of Arts in Christian Formation. These academic and professional experiences have equipped him with a strong foundation for leadership in Christian education and discipleship.

Before arriving in Brooklin, Fr. Douglas served as the Diocesan Director for Christian Education in the Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. In that role, he coordinated the Diocese’s Intentional Discipleship Programme, leading seminars and training for clergy and lay leaders, and publishing congregational leadership guides and Diocesan Lenten Bible Studies. He also introduced simple liturgies and prayers for Anglican church schools and led diocesan training programs for altar servers and Sunday school teachers.

Fr. Douglas has a particular heart for ministries of outreach, children, youth and young adult mentorship, and Vacation Bible School. He has organized and led summer camps, vestry retreats, and other formative experiences for people of all ages. He also brings creative gifts to his ministry: he sings, writes, and mentors, always seeking to serve God by serving others. Fr. Douglas approaches ministry with a spirit of humility and a willingness to learn. He values collaboration and community, and is committed to serving with joy, compassion, and care—walking alongside others as together we grow in faith, share God's love, and build a welcoming church for all.